Comparison of serum PAHs levels in workers of two separate petroleum occupational exposure situations

摘要

Background: Chemical exposure biomonitoring and associated health risk assessment for petroleum related occupations are extremely neglected in Pakistan. Aims: We aimed to determine blood PAH concentrations in two petroleum related occupational groups to establish exposure effect relation with work conditions and to assess the suitability of selected PAHs as biomarkers. Methods: Workers employed at petrol-filling stations (n=48) and auto-mechanic workshops (55) were compared with a control population of maintenance workers in a university (n=52). Concentration of phenanthrene, pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene in blood samples were determined along with urinary metabolite 1-hydroxyprene levels among workers. Smoking habits and skin-related health problems were identified using a questionnaire. Results: Based on PAH levels in blood and 1-hydroxyprene concentrations in urine, the auto-mechanic workers were the most exposed. Significantly high pyrene, benzo[a]pyrene and 1-hydroxyprene levels were found in these workers as compared to people employed at petrol-filling stations and in university. No statistically significant effect of smoking was observed for control group. However, a strong positive correlation between smoking and blood phenanthrene was observed in both occupational groups. Results of logistic regression revealed that petrol-filling workers exposed to 6 hour per day or more had high prevalence of skin dryness & redness (OR=2.58, 95% CI=1.08-6.52) whereas job duration ＞ 10years has attributed substantial development allergic dermatitis (OR=3.11, 95% CI=1.23-9.27) among auto-mechanic workers. Conclusions: Serum PAH estimates are good proxy measures of petroleum exposure at filling stations and auto workshops. Inhalation and dermal contact are key sources of exposure to PAH in petroleum occupations and can cause severe health risk in long job hour conditions. Yearly health monitoring is imperative to minimize health risks associated with PAH exposure in Pakistan.